Baseball cards are a timeless investment that allow collectors to own a piece of sports history. While established stars can offer steady appreciation, rookie cards present an opportunity for potentially massive returns. By studying the top prospects coming up in MLB and focusing on affordable emerging talents, savvy collectors can get in early on the next generation of superstars. Here are some baseball rookie cards that look poised for growth in 2022 and beyond.
Wander Franco, Tampa Bay Rays (2018 Bowman Chrome Yellow Refractor Auto /99): At just 20 years old, Franco has already established himself as a true five-tool superstar after his stellar 2021 campaign. As the consensus top prospect in baseball, Franco is a surefire franchise cornerstone for the Rays. His 2018 Bowman Chrome rookie refractor autographs remain some of his most scarce and desirable parallels available. With a population of just 99 copies, these rare yellow refractors present an opportunity to get in on the long-term Franco boom at a reasonable price point currently. As he continues cementing his status as a perennial All-Star and MVP candidate, expect Franco’s earliest cards to soar.
Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals (2021 Topps Chrome Blue Refractor Auto /150): The second overall pick in the 2019 draft, Witt wasted no time proving himself as big league ready in 2021. After tearing up the minors, Witt made his MLB debut at just 21 years old and immediately showcased why he’s such an electrifying talent. Combing elite power with plus speed and defense at a premium position, Witt looks destined for stardom in KC. His flagship Topps Chrome Blue refractors offer a limited parallel of the prized rookie at an affordable price today. With immense breakout potential in 2022 and beyond, Witt’s cards could be primed for explosive gains.
Riley Greene, Detroit Tigers (2021 Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Auto /50): As the fifth overall pick in the 2019 draft, Greene has all the tools to be a true centerpiece for the Tigers moving forward. After a strong showing in the minors, Greene received his first MLB cup of coffee late in 2022 and will likely be in Detroit to stay next season. His 2021 Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil autographs are one of his most visually striking parallels available at just 50 copies. At a reasonable cost currently, these scarce Greenes could deliver big returns if he takes the next step as an impact rookie in 2023.
Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles (2021 Bowman Chrome Blue Refractor Auto /150): As the top pick in the 2019 draft, Rutschman lived up to the hype by rocketing through the minors and reaching the majors by late 2022. With his elite bat-to-ball skills and defensive prowess behind the plate, Rutschman looks like a franchise cornerstone and future All-Star for the O’s. His 2021 Bowman Chrome Blue refractors offer one of his more limited and attractive parallels from his prized rookie set. With breakout potential in 2023 and many productive years ahead, Rutschman’s cards could be set for strong gains.
Julio Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners (2021 Bowman Chrome Rainbow Foil Auto /50): Rodriguez exploded onto the scene in 2022 by making the Mariners’ roster out of spring training at just 21 years old. With his five-tool skill set and electric energy, J-Rod immediately became a fan favorite in Seattle while showcasing All-Star upside. His 2021 Bowman Chrome Rainbow Foil autographs offer one of his most visually striking parallels available in a limited run of just 50. With superstar potential and playing for a contender, Rodriguez could be primed for stardom in 2023 and beyond, making his earliest cards excellent long term investments.
Spencer Torkelson, Detroit Tigers (2021 Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Auto /50): As the top pick in the 2020 draft, Torkelson showed why in his MLB debut season by flashing his immense power potential at just 22 years old. While struggling at times, Torkelson looks ready to lock down first base for the Tigers for years to come. His 2021 Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil autographs offer one of his most limited and aesthetically pleasing parallels available. With breakout potential in 2023 and as a cornerstone of the rebuilding Tigers, Torkelson’s cards could be set up for strong returns moving forward.
C.J. Abrams, Washington Nationals (2021 Bowman Chrome Rainbow Foil Auto /50): Acquired by the Nationals in the Juan Soto trade, Abrams showed why he was such a highly-touted prospect by reaching the majors at just 21 years old in 2022. With his elite speed and athleticism capable of staying at shortstop long term, Abrams looks ready to be a core piece for Washington. His 2021 Bowman Chrome Rainbow Foil autographs offer one of his most scarce and flashy parallels available. Still very young with All-Star upside, Abrams’ cards could reward collectors handsomely over the coming years.
Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates (2021 Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Auto /50): At an enormous 6-foot-7 yet possessing surprising athleticism and raw power, Cruz is a true freak of nature on the diamond. After tearing up the minors, Cruz got his first extended MLB look in 2022 at just 23, flashing all-world upside. His 2021 Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil autographs offer one of his most limited and aesthetically pleasing parallels. As a potential cornerstone for the Pirates with superstar potential, Cruz could be on the verge of stardom, making his cards worth following closely.
Brennan Davis, Chicago Cubs (2021 Bowman Chrome Rainbow Foil Auto /50): A former top 100 prospect, Davis reached the majors in 2022 at just 22 while showing why he has such a well-rounded skill set. With his patience and power from the left side, Davis looks ready to lock down an everyday role in Wrigleyville for years to come. His 2021 Bowman Chrome Rainbow Foil autographs offer one of his scarcest and most attractive parallels. As a core piece of the Cubs’ rebuild with breakout potential, Davis’ cards could reward collectors long term.
Jarren Duran, Boston Red Sox (2021 Topps Chrome Blue Refractor Auto /150): A speedy and athletic outfielder, Duran made his MLB debut in 2021 at 25 while flashing impressive tools. With his ability to impact games in many ways, Duran looks poised to carve out a role for the Red Sox for years ahead. His 2021 Topps Chrome Blue Refractor autographs offer one of his more limited flagship parallels available at a reasonable price today. With continued development and opportunity in Boston, Duran’s cards could see nice gains moving forward.
Corbin Carroll, Arizona Diamondbacks (2021 Bowman Chrome Rainbow Foil Auto /50): The 16th overall pick in 2019, Carroll is one of the top prospects in baseball thanks to his five-tool skill set. After dominating the minors, Carroll reached the majors in 2022 at just 22, showing why he’s such a special talent. His 2021 Bowman Chrome Rainbow Foil autographs offer one of his scarcest and most striking parallels. As a potential franchise cornerstone with superstar upside, Carroll’s cards could reward collectors tremendously in the coming years.
This covers just some of the top baseball rookie cards that look poised for growth in 2022 and beyond. By focusing on emerging talents with breakout potential who play for competitive teams, collectors can get in early before their cards appreciate significantly. Studying prospects coming up through the minors and pouncing on affordable parallels of prized rookies allows savvy investors to own a piece of the future stars of MLB for a reasonable cost today.
